The Living Universe Set for CuriosityStream, ARTE

CANNES: The blue-chip science feature The Living Universe, co-produced by Essential Media and Entertainment and ZED, is headed to European broadcaster ARTE and the SVOD platform CuriosityStream.

The Living Universe, which consists of a 90-minute doc and 4×1-hour series, follows the interstellar search for new life forms in the distant reaches of the galaxy. The 4K project comes from scientist and filmmaker Dr. Richard Smith (Australia: The Time Traveler’s Guide, A Traveler’s Guide to the Planets). A French version will also be co-directed by Vincent Amouroux (Species of Mass Destruction, Darwin 2.0).

“After nearly 30 years in documentary production this is one of the most exciting and ambitious projects to date,” said Essential Media’s CEO, Chris Hilton. He added: “It’s an honor and a privilege to be working with the likes of ARTE, CuriosityStream and ZED on such a project”.

Christine Le Goff, producer at ZED, added, “A project of such scope and ambition exists thanks to a team of experienced partners that know and trust each other. It is quite an honor to be associated with that great adventure.”

Steve Burns, the executive VP of content production and acquisition at CuriosityStream, said, “CuriosityStream is for those who want to explore and better understand the universe around them. There’s no better or more quintessential film to further this mission than The Living Universe, we are thrilled to share it with our subscribers.”

“This spectacular series, at the cutting-edge of technology and made with the help of some globally renowned specialists, fully meets ARTE’s requirements in terms of captivating, high-quality documentaries for the widest possible audience,” said Hélène Coldefy, the head of specialist factual at ARTE France.